Published: January 6, 2004 7:00 PM

COLUMBUS The GOP-led Legislature is poised today to approve a bill that would allow law-abiding Ohioans to carry hidden handguns that Gov. Bob Taft says he'll sign into law.

"I think it's far enough along to take it back to conference committee to see if we can get it worked out," House Speaker Larry Householder, a Glenford Republican, said Tuesday of a possible compromise with the governor.

The House reconsidered a concealed-carry proposal worked out by a previous conference committee and then, by an 88 to 5 vote, rejected it, setting up another conference panel today.

Taft had threatened to veto the current version of the bill, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Aslanides, a Coshocton Republican, over a concern about public disclosure of permit-holder names.

The measure, as passed by state lawmakers last month, would allow journalists to ask sheriff's departments for a list of permit holders on a name-by-name basis.

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Taft, also a Republican, wants journalists to have access to the entire list of permit holders by county.

Majority House Republicans had resisted the Taft provision, but Householder said they'll go back to the conference committee to see if it can be worked out.

"We, in the House, have tried to stand strong for the Second Amendment (The right to bear arms)," Householder said. "We've done everything we can possibly do ..."

"The first thing that's important is to get this on the books in Ohio," the speaker said. "We think it's going to have a tremendous impact."

"It's long overdue for Ohio," said Aslanides, the bill's prime sponsor.

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Taft said he will sign the bill if it contains the public disclosure provision he wants.

"I would sign it," the governor said.

Taft said allowing reporters access to the permit-holder list by county could help judge how well the proposed permit system works and help ensure that those with criminal backgrounds are unable to obtain a permit.

"I think there'll be accountability here," the governor said. "The press access to the records will enable us to monitor (the proposed permit system) effectively."

Under the bill, Ohioans who pass a background check and complete safety training would be able to buy a permit from a county sheriff to carry a concealed handgun.

The House passed its original version of the bill in March while the Senate passed its version in June.

The measure was first sent to conference committee back in September.

Both chambers concurred with the original conference report last month.

"I'm not pleased with everything in the bill, but it's further along than we have been," said state Rep. Jim Hoops, a Napoleon Republican who voted Tuesday to reject the conference report, effectively sending the matter to another conference committee.